Modulation by dopaminergic and serotonergic systems of cholinergic interneurons in nucleus accumbens and striatum

The acetylcholine turnover rate and the enzymatic activity of choline acetyltransferase were determined in the nucleus accumbens and striatum. Whereas both apomorphine and a serotonin agonist MK 212 led to a decrease in acetylcholine turnover rate, haloperidol showed the opposite effect in the nucleus accumbens and striatum, respectively. Dopamine and serotonin agonists induced a depression of the enzymatic activity but this effect was less pronounced than the effect on acetylcholine turnover rate. It is concluded that in the nucleus accumbens and striatum the cholinergic interneurons appear to be modulated by dopaminergic and serotonergic systems in an inhibitory manner.